Salt Lake Telegram | 1931-05-14 | Page 4 | Fort Douglas

FORT DULAS i I THE inference that Fort Douglas is to be included in the list of interior garrisons I of the United States army to be abandoned appears to have been made without regard to 10 the strategic importance of its location There are many army stations which have been retained largely through political considerations con con- but ample military reasons exist for maintaining troops at this p post st st. t there are arc excellent reasons why it should not notI only be maintained but should be enlarged Salt Lake is situated a safe distance from I the Pacific Main line rai railroads roads extend to the northwest the west the east and the 1 southwest Utah is the s source of great stores I I i of coal copper and farm products that would be required in thy arty military operation Nearby Nearby Nearby Near Near- by is the Ogden arsenal In any emergency troops would be required to protect this t region and Fort Douglas is their logical base I The importance of maintaining the mountain moun moun- l 1 tam tain railroads and the lines out of Salt Lake LakeI I and Ogden demands a garrison here The development of an adequate water supply for Fort Douglas has been a maj major majorI or orI I I. I problem of the war department and has been I I j considered the determining factor when the matter of enlarging the military installations II at the post have been up for consideration i This question has been solved The post is isi i j l I equal to housing an entire regiment at war 1 jr h strength and has adequate facilities for its t r p H training j The gener general l staff of the army is cognizant I M of all these facts and it is highly improbable i 11 n I that it has in mind the abandonment of this IT T post Its military importance is sufficient to 11 justify its retention as an active garrison I